Senior leaders of Japan’s Ministry of Defense, U.S. Forces Japan, Pacific Air Forces and Lockheed Martin gather in a Japan Air Self-Defense Force hangar at Misawa Air Base, Japan, for the commemorative ceremony welcoming the first operational F-35A Lightning II to JASDF's 3rd Air Wing, Feb. 24, 2018. The F-35A is the second assembled at Mitsubishi’s facility in Nagoya, Japan. Regional leaders from Misawa City and Aomori Prefecture also attended the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

U.S. Army Capt. Lee Schroeder, left, the Delta Detachment, 1st Space Company, Joint Tactical Army Ground Station commander, walks with U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Terrence A. Greene, right, the United States Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force command chief, during his visit to the JTAGS facility at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 23, 2018. Greene’s tour included meeting with Team Misawa and Japan Air Self-Defense Force members in order to better understand the capabilities and responsibilities each unit contributes to the “fight tonight” mentality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Robert Carter, left, a 35th Maintenance Group weapons load crew member, showcases displayed munitions to Chief Master Sgt. Terrence A. Greene, right, the United States Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force command chief, during his tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 23, 2018. Greene stressed the importance of Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines knowing their mission and how their individual actions contribute to stability across the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Terrence A. Greene, left, the United States Force Japans and Fifth Air Force command chief, examines a construction project with U.S. Navy Builder Constructionman Kyle Artrobus, right, who works with the Naval Air Facility-Misawa Public Works Department, during Greene's tour at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 23, 2018. Artrobus showcases his wood work to Greene while discussing new and improved advances being made within his shop. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Terrence A. Greene, the United States Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force command chief, prepares for an interview at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 23, 2018. The main objective of the chief’s visit was to show support, on behalf of the USFJ and Fifth Air Force, at the Japan Air Self-Defense F-35A Lightning II commemoration ceremony, but he insisted on meeting with Team Misawa enlisted members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The United States Forces Japan and 5th Air Force command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Terrence A. Greene, joined Misawa Air Base leadership in welcoming the first operational Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II during a commemoration ceremony, Feb. 24.

In addition to attending the ceremony, the chief dedicated time with Team Misawa members the day prior emphasizing readiness, welfare and resiliency across all units on the installation.

“I am ecstatic to be here with our Japanese counterparts to help welcome their first fifth-generation aircraft into their fleet,” said Greene. “This visit gave me an opportunity to witness the strong bond shared among U.S. and Japan service members and assure them of their importance to the safety and security across Japan.”

The day before the ceremony, Greene visited U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy units and spoke directly with Team Misawa members and received a glimpse of their mission.

“It’s good for everyone who hasn’t met Chief Greene to put a face to his name,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph Ostrowski, the 35th Fighter Wing protocol support staff NCO in charge. “His approachable personality leaves the junior enlisted feeling comfortable to discuss career advice to personal issues at home.”

Among every unit he visited, he gave service members a piece of senior leader advice.

“Being responsible for your finances, family and own resiliency contributes to mission success,” explained Greene. “Lt. Gen. [Jerry] Martinez and I are extremely proud of how Misawa service members conduct their missions and continue building the alliance with our Japanese neighbors. Everything Team Misawa does to build relationships with the local community, helps our ability to thrive and operate here.”

Due to Misawa’s strategic location, it is a prime area for U.S. and Japan flying operations, which contributed to its selection for the first JASDF F-35A unit.

“Remembering the ability to operate by, from and through Japan is key to the alliance we are fortunate to have,” said Greene. “Misawa is crucial to our operations due to its location. The spacious area is perfect for training opportunities and I am impressed with the advances being made here.”

Throughout Greene’s visit, he visited every facet which makes Misawa AB a diverse military installation. From the joint to the bilateral aspect, Greene thanked Team Misawa members on their role of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and looks forward to his next visit here.